The 16 Days of Global Activism Against Gender Violence begins November 25th and runs through December 10th. The first day of the 16 days (Nov. 25) is the International Day to Eliminate Violence Against Women and the last day of the 16 days (Dec. 10) is International Human Rights Day. The 16 days is a Global Movement to raise awareness around issues of gender violence across the globe including: domestic violence, genital mutilation, sexual violence, bride burning, sexual exploitation, etc. One of the major priorities of the movement is the connect gender violence, and essentially the safety and livelihood of women and girls, to human rights.
My interest and passion for eliminating gender violence is directly connected to my interest and passion for human rights. I see all forms of gender violence, culturally accepted or not, as a direct assault on human rights. I also know from my experience, both in the U.S and here in Mozambique, that gender violence impacts every aspect of a person’s life. For example, in Mozambique it is not uncommon for young girls to be sexually exploited by their teachers or other school personnel, which then leads them to not want to go to school and puts them at risk for HIV/AIDS and pregnancy.
Gender violence isn’t just about an act of violence that is inflicted upon someone. It is about the impact that violence has not just on the person it is inflicted upon, but on their family, their friends, their community and their society. Gender violence, no matter the act, is a violation of human rights and I urge everyone, everywhere, everyday to remember what these 16 days are about and do everything you personally can to Eliminated Gender Violence however and where ever you can!
